Billboard Sparks Political Storm in Osun as APC, Adeleke’s Camp Clash

A political storm is brewing in Osun State as a campaign billboard featuring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ademola Adeleke has ignited a fiery exchange between the state’s All Progressives Congress (APC) and the governor’s camp. The billboard, prominently displayed in Iwo town, has sparked outrage from the opposition party, who allege it falsely suggests political alignment between the two leaders.

Chief Kola Olabisi, the Public Relations Officer of the Osun APC, did not mince words in his condemnation of the billboard. Describing it as a “nose and eye sore” and a product of “political heresy,” he accused its creators of deliberate deception. Olabisi claimed the imagery falsely portrays unity between President Tinubu, a staunch APC figure, and Governor Adeleke, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart.

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According to Olabisi, the pairing was a strategic misstep by the PDP to recover dwindling public support. “One needs not be a wizard to recognize that the fraudulent pairing of Tinubu and Adeleke is a clear sign of the PDP’s desperation,” he stated. “The billboard is a counterfeit creation, aimed at misleading the public and should be dismissed as another ploy by a government struggling with legitimacy.”

The APC spokesperson emphasized that the party was not behind the billboard, labeling it an act of political sabotage intended to fabricate credibility for Governor Adeleke. He added that the ruling PDP administration is suffering from a rapid erosion of popularity just three years into its tenure.

Adeleke’s Spokesperson Slams Opposition’s Reaction

In response, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the spokesperson for Governor Adeleke, fired back, calling the APC’s statements baseless and an attempt to divert attention from the government’s achievements. He argued that the billboard was created by non-governmental supporters and should not be a source of controversy.

Rasheed accused the APC of “running amok” and displaying ignorance about the state’s recent investment achievements. Highlighting Adeleke’s successful meetings with international stakeholders such as the UK Prime Minister’s trade envoy and the British Museum, Rasheed claimed that the governor’s performance had drawn admiration from both local and global audiences.

“The APC’s tantrum is a symptom of their identity crisis and fading influence,” Rasheed asserted. “They are clearly frustrated by Governor Adeleke’s growing support across party lines and his ability to deliver tangible results in governance and international relations.”

He further suggested that the opposition’s criticism reflects their struggle to regain relevance and deal with the growing popularity of Adeleke’s leadership. “Mr. Governor has the backing of well-meaning citizens at home and abroad, and no amount of propaganda will derail the mission of delivering good governance,” he concluded.

As the political temperature rises in Osun, the controversial billboard continues to symbolize more than just a printed message—it represents a deeper ideological clash and the intensifying race towards future elections. While the APC demands its removal and disassociation, the PDP remains firm in asserting its right to public support and expression.

With both parties standing their ground, Osun residents are left watching as political rhetoric climbs and the battle for influence in the state becomes more visible—quite literally—on its billboards.